Column: Coaches’ Corner: Dealing With Test Anxiety

Coaches Corner is a monthly column written by the CNM Acheivement coaches. Look for the next installment of Coaches Corner in issue 12.

Do you have a tendency to freak out before or during a test? Does your mind go blank even though you have studied the material? Does your heart rate go up, and do your hands get sweaty? If so, you may have test anxiety.

Now, if you are anx­ious because you have not studied, then that is normal! However, if you have studied a little each day and taken good notes, your reaction is not healthy.

Achievement Coach Barbara Burrows recom­mends a ritual called “3 of 3”. Do three sets of three repetitive actions, such as three shoulder rolls, three neck rolls, and rolling a pen between your hands three times.

One of your sets can also be three positive com­ments about yourself. This will ground you in the pres­ent moment and distract your mind from thinking negative thoughts.

You can also try this technique before the test. Do not worry about looking silly! You will be surprised at how much better it can make you feel.

Sit in a chair. Rate your anxiety level on a scale of zero to 10, zero being calm and relaxed and 10 being very anxious.